The Special Weapons Team specialty of the arson investigator is to provide bomb squad and arson investigator support to the team. Arson/Explosives Detail investigates cases involving the following:
- Arson;
- Bombings;
- Burglary where explosives are taken or a magazine is victimized;
- Disastrous fires;
- Explosions (caused by explosives);
- Explosives (except fireworks);
- Fires causing damage to public utility, public property, or causing personal injury;
- Fires causing damage of $7,500 or more;
- Incendiary devices;
- Illegal manufacture, sale, or possession of fully automatic weapons, heavy weapons greater than 60 caliber, and silencers;
- Illegal manufacture, sale, or possession of bombs, explosives, or destructive devices;
- Illegal manufacture of fireworks (fireworks factories); and
- Series and patterns of crimes related to any of the above.
Responsibilities of the Arson/Explosive Detail include:
- Store and dispose of found, abandoned, or surrendered explosives and explosive devices;
- Process requests to assign and stamp serial numbers on handguns and long guns;
- Collect, preserve, and analyze evidence for presentation in court;
- Act as advisors to, and instructors for, the training academy staff regarding arson/explosives training for Department personnel;
- Safe handling of large caches of illegal fireworks;
- Act as liaison and local agency member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Nuclear Response and Electronic Counter-Measures Teams;
- Maintain a cadre of explosive and accelerant detection canines; and
- Conduct protective detection sweeps for high profile public events and visiting dignitaries.
The Arson/Explosives Detail is authorized to have an underwater diving team.